In this week’s parsha, the king of Moab, Balak, sends the prophet Bilaam, an evil magician to curse Bnei Yisrael.
On his way he comes across 3 angels sent from Hashem in order to stop him carrying out the king’s wish.
But even though Hashem told Bilaam not to go, Bilaam goes anyway!
How could Hashem let him go and fulfill this decree?
For the answer, we look to the Rambam.
The Rambam says every person has free will, but he can choose the right or wrong way.
Hashem has given us a gift, a gift of choice.
Why do you feel terribly guilty when you know you did something wrong? Why do you feel inner pride when you perform an act of kindness?
If we don’t have free will, our actions ultimately have nothing to do with us. We’ll be a mere robot programmed to be cruel or good.
Guilt and pride don’t enter the equation. “Free will” refers to the type of decision which is uniquely human: a moral choice.
It’s all on you! You get to choose.
You do not have to listen to the quiet inner voice that wants you to throw in the towel and cave into your desires.
You can overcome your instinct and live differently because you are not a robot and you have a higher self, your neshama.
Free will is the choice between life and death. As the Torah says: “I have put before you, life and death… Choose life so that you may live.” (Deut. 30:19) So Live!!!!
How? With Hashem in His ways and by his Torah. Connect to Him, build the relationship!
How? By connecting to your spiritual self time after time after time.
Every choice you make within your day, connect it to Kedusha and live as an Eved Hashem.
Become aware of the choices you’re making because your choices become your habits.
The Midrash says a person is led in the way he wishes to go. Hashem tries to guide us in the right path, but if someone is determined to go the wrong way, he may continue because of his free will.
Free will is a precious gift, so use it wisely.
✨ *Shabbat Shalom* ✨